By kazimladimeji 
The elite women race the Bollekescross on Sunday 15 November at 12:45 GMT (13:45 CET). This is round two of the X²O Badkamers Trofee in Hamme-Zogge, separate from January’s Hamme World Cup. It follows the Merksplas Superprestige on Saturday, so any riders doing both will have a quick turnaround.
How to watch in the UK
UK listings point to live coverage on TNT Sports 3 and streaming through HBO Max with TNT Sports, which requires TNT Sports access. The event-specific listing names Bollekescross and lists the live window from 12:45 GMT; check your provider’s guide on the day. The race itself is scheduled for 12:45 GMT in the official programme. A separate UK highlights slot has not been verified.
Who to watch in the women’s race
The series organiser has said Lucinda Brand will race further X²O rounds, but its announcement does not give a named Hamme-Zogge entry for her. The event’s full start list was still pending on 10 November. On form, Brand is the rider to beat if she starts: she won the Koppenbergcross opener on 1 November and the European title in Zeddam on 7 November. Aniek van Alphen won at Middelkerke on 5 November, with Inge van der Heijden and Denise Betsema completing the podium. Those are useful form markers if they line up on Sunday, not confirmation that they will.
Tactical read: If Brand rides, her rivals may be better off staying close through the first few laps than trying to claw back a gap on their own. Van Alphen has already shown she can win solo this month. If she starts and feels good after the Saturday race, look for her to test the group when repeated accelerations begin to cost riders rather than waiting for the final straight.
The course and where the race could be won
The organiser’s technical guide puts the lap at 2.7 km, and Hamme council places the circuit in the meadows near Boschmansstraatje. The guide lists a 45-minute race. This is a return to Zogge and a first visit for the X²O series, so don’t read the old Flandriencross course across to Sunday.
What I’d watch: How quickly the riders get back up to speed after slowing for turns. If the grass is firm, it may be hard to ride away on one section; several clean exits in a row may count for more. If it softens, staying upright and finding a line that still grips on the later laps could create bigger gaps. Race-day grip is still uncertain. The series ranks riders by cumulative time, so even after the win looks settled, the chase still matters.
Follow the rest of the winter in the 2026–27 cyclocross calendar.
For your own wet-weather rides
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After a muddy ride, clear the grit and dry the chain before adding a small amount of wet lube. Wipe away the surplus so it doesn’t pick up more dirt, and keep it away from brake surfaces. Muc-Off Wet Chain Lube, 50 ml, on Amazon UK is one option for wet conditions. Our winter chain lube guide explains when it makes sense.
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Muc-Off Wet Chain Lube, 50ml | Ultra Durable Biodegradable Bike Chain Oil, Repels Water for Wet and Muddy Rides, Silky Shifting for MTB, Road & Cyclocross | £5.99 |
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Peaty's LinkLube Wet Weather Bike Chain Lube - MTB, Road & E-Bike, 120ml | Bike Chain Oil, Readily Biodegradable Lubricant Oil, Corrosion Protection, Ultra-Smooth Drivetrain, Wet Conditions, Gravel | £15.00 |
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Finish Line Wet Bike Chain Lube - Long-Lasting Bicycle Lubricant - 120ml | Long-lasting wet-weather chain lube | Water resistant | 150+ miles per application | Road, MTB & commuting | £11.59 |
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Featured photo: Thomas K on Pexels, under the Pexels licence. Illustrative mountain-bike racing on a muddy woodland trail; it does not show the Bollekescross.